11 January 2024 , 09:49
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It's that time of year again. Whether it's the common cold or flu, Covid or even whooping cough, there are some bugs that come around every winter without fail.
But one woman thinks she has found the perfect remedy to help you shift a blocked nose in no time. And it's pretty old school!
TikTok user Alivia shared her hack with followers, telling them that the method 'helps so much'. So how does it work?
Alivia can be seen putting a spoon of Vicks Vaporub in the bottom of a washing up bowl, along with a big quirt of runny honey. She notes you can also add lemon - but she ran out.
Pour in boiling water and stir before breathing in the menthol steam by using a tea towel to cover her head and the bowl. "PS Remember to close your eyes!" she warns viewers.
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The video has racked up thousands of views with people vowing to give it a go themselves. Others shared their own hacks.
"My mum always told me to rub Vicks on the bottom of ur feet and put socks on during the night, it makes u sweat out the cold/flu," one shared. A second said: "In home bargains you can get Olbas oil bubble bath. I put it in kitchen bowl and fill up with boiling water and leave in the corner of room, helps so much."
And a third admitted: "I grew up doing this, hated it when I was a child but only realised when I got bigger what wonders it does! Get straight into bed after this."
You can pick up a 50g pot of Vicks Vaporub for as little as £2.79 from Chemist4U, or a 100g pot for £5.25 from Boots. Alternatively, Poundland offers Healthpoint Vapourub for £1.
The average adult can expect to have three common colds each year. It's widely believed that Vitamin C helps prevent and tackle a cold - but that's not the case, according to a TV pharmacist.
Thorrun Govind, who was elected chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England, the professional body for pharmacists in 2021, said: "The crux of getting yourself better is lots of rest, sleep and water; this will give your immune system the best chance... If you're not a fan of water, try drinking some fruit juice or squash - the important thing here is to avoid dehydration."
Gargling salt and water will help ease a sore throat, a common symptom with a cold. It can also help kill bacteria, ease pain, and loosen mucus.
Ultimately, as with all illnesses, when it comes to a cold, prevention is better than cure. So, if you live with someone who has a cold, avoid sharing a towel, or cup. Washing hands regularly, as highlighted during the Covid pandemic, helps reduce the transmission of bacteria, so helps avoid the spread of some illnesses.
Antibiotics do not work with colds because colds are viruses, and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Rest, as frustrating as it can be this time of year, helps ease the symptoms of a cold.
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Three-quarters of workers will still go into work even if they have a cold